Bring Life to Leftovers: Fried Mac Bites
Leftovers are daunting. People often turn away from looking into those takeout containers and Tupperware - who wants to eat the same meal four times in a row? At DIG, we try to minimize food waste as best we can, but totally get it - sometimes our eyes are bigger than our stomachs, and we are left with uneaten delicious food. But, there is a solution! Using your leftovers to make something new is the best way to minimize food prep and food waste, all while saving money and making more room in your fridge.
Because DIG’s food is made from scratch, we can easily reinvent our dishes into something fresh and delicious, even days after they were delivered to your door. With only a few shelf staples, you can turn leftovers into something completely new. Follow the recipe below to see how we transform our Jasper Hill Mac and Cheese.
Ingredients
1 side of DIG’s Jasper Hill Mac and Cheese, fridge cold
1 cup breadcrumbs (traditional or panko)
2 beaten eggs
1 cup flour
Seasonings of your choice
1/2 cup frying oil of your choice (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Set up your breading station: in three bowls or containers, set aside the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Season breadcrumbs, if using, and add salt and pepper to taste.
Remove the block of cold mac and cheese from the container, and set on a cutting board, preserving the rectangular shape of the mac and cheese.
Slice off the top layer of the mac and cheese, removing the breadcrumbs. Discard. Cut the block of mac and cheese into four rectangular pieces. Put pieces in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Get ready to fry: If pan frying, pour oil in an 8-inch skillet and set to medium heat. If cooking with an air fryer, preheat to 375 degrees.
While they get hot, remove the mac and cheese squares from the freezer. One at a time, dredge into flour, then eggs, then breadcrumbs, ensuring the pieces are well-coated with each layer. Continue with all pieces. If the oil or air fryer is not yet hot, put them in the freezer while you wait.
Fry your mac bites: if using a pan, fry on medium-low heat on each side until they are well-browned and gooey in the middle (about 4-7 minutes per side). If using an air fryer, add pieces to the basket and set a timer for 12 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Serve while hot.